Collingwood’s players are in “utter devastation” over the death of former AFL teammate John McCarthy.

Magpies president Eddie McGuire says McCarthy, who played 18 AFL games for the club over four seasons before joining Port, was a great friend to all at Collingwood.

A clearly shaken McGuire, who was told of McCarthy’s death just before launching a joint Collingwood-Salvation Army project to combat homelessness in Melbourne on Monday, says the midfielder had remained close to many players at the club.

“Today’s news is met with utter devastation. The players are shattered,” McGuire said.

“When news filtered through today … heads dropped, tears spilt, it was utter devastation.

“(McCarthy was) much-loved, a wonderful young man, great love for his friends, great love for his club and great love for the sport.

“To lose a player of his character and his wonderful personality, it’s heartbreaking for all of us.”

McCarthy, 22, was holidaying with Port Adelaide teammates in the United States when he died.

He is believed to have fallen from a building in Las Vegas.

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert spoke individually to McCarthy’s close friends at the club on Monday as the Magpies prepare for their semi-final against West Coast on Saturday.

McGuire has earmarked some manner of long-term commemoration for McCarthy at Collingwood.

“At the very least the club will be wearing black armbands against West Coast on Saturday night,” McGuire said.